Gyles Brandreth is a genius! Throughout this wonderful mystery I had to keep reminding myself that Oscar Wilde was not actually sharing his own story. I have long been a fan of Wilde. In fact, here is a recording of the man himself reciting a portion of The Ballad of Reading Gaol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVoJLjWlJng. It send chills up my spine!
As any Oscar Wilde aficionado knows, the man was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 2 years of hard labor in punishment for gross indecency as a result of his homosexual affair with Lord Alfred Douglas. While imprisoned he suffered a serious injury to his eardrum that is believed to have contributed to his death in 1900 at age 46. Brandreth seamlessly incorporates significant biographical details of Wilde's life, such as this one, into his story, making it difficult to discern where reality leaves off and imagination takes over. This incredible mystery is set primarily during Wilde's two year stint in prison. Brandreth's research of the inner workings of the English prison system in the 1890s is meticulous and his graphic depictions of an inmate's life transport the reader right into the heart and soul (or lack thereof) of Reading Gaol. Wilde's relationship with Arthur Conan Doyle is referred to frequently throughout, adding an extra touch of personality and authenticity to the story. The concept of Oscar Wilde as detective is in and of itself fascinating, but the incredible twists and turns, threats and deaths, and Wilde's observations and conclusions make this an outstanding mystery. There are several untimely deaths in Oscar Wilde and the Murders at Reading Gaol, but it is not until the final pages that the reader discovers the true depth and breadth of Wilde's powers of observation and, at the same time, Brandreth's own genius. I highly recommend this series!
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